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enNew MLS franchises handed early meetingThe two new franchises in MLS, Orlando City and New York City, will face off in the first round of the 2015 season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/new-mls-franchises-handed-early-meeting
MLS unveiled its schedule for the new campaign on Wednesday, featuring an expanded post-season involving 12 teams.
The year's first match will see champions LA Galaxy, who confirmed the signing of Steven Gerrard earlier in the day, host Chicago Fire on March 6.
Gerrard will not be available for that contestas he is scheduled to link up with his new team-mates inJuly.
New York are set to welcome another high-profile England international, Frank Lampard, to their roster in the same month.
However, two star names are on course tofeature in New York's opening match in Orlando on March 8, with ex-Spain strikerDavid Villapoised to come up against former Brazilian Kaka, a formerWorld Player of the Year.
For the first time in MLS history, the final day of the regular season will see matches in each conferenceplayed simultaneously as the qualifiers for the play-offs are determined.
Everyteam will play 34 games, with sixsidesfrom each of the Eastern and Western Conferences earningplay-off berths.
The season is set to end on either the weekend of December 5-6 or 12-13.
news_articleWed, 07 Jan 2015 21:35:53 +0000319541 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBeasley calls time on international careerVeteran defender DaMarcus Beasley announced his retirement from the United States national team on Monday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/beasley-calls-time-international-career
Beasley made the surprising announcement via Instagram after amassing 121 international caps since debuting in 2001 - the fifth most in USA history behind Marcelo Balboa (128), Jeff Agoos (134), Landon Donovan (157) and Cobi Jones (164).
The 32-year-old Houston Dynamo defender, who is the only American to compete at four World Cups - 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 -featured for Jurgen Klinsmann's men against Colombia in London onNovember 14.
Beasley scored 17 goals for USA and won four CONCACAF Gold Cup titles (2002, 2005, 2007,2013).
"Where do I start? Honestly I never thought this day would come, representing my country has been the greatest thing I've done in my career," Beasley wrote on his Instagram account.
"Every time I've pulled on OUR colours I tried to represent myself, my family and my country with the utmost respect (and obviously tried to win).
"With that being said, I have officially retired from the U.S. Nat'l team. I've been blessed to be a part of the ussf family for 17yrs.
"I have so many memories from when I started with the U-15 nat'l team all the way to the men's team. I've met so many great ppl along the way I wouldn't know where to start.
"To all my coaches and teammates, I just want to say thank you, thank you for making me the player I am and the man I will be in the future. I will never forget all the games, friendships, memories we all shared.
"One thing I hope you all will say about me is that I was a good teammate and ALWAYS left everything on the field when I played.
"And lastly I want to thank ALL the fans that have supported me and the U.S. Team, without you guys we wouldn't be where we are today! Thank you all!!!"
news_articleTue, 16 Dec 2014 05:44:15 +0000306026 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCoyle: No long ball tactics at HoustonNew Houston Dynamo coach Owen Coyle has dismissed concerns his British heritage will lead to long ball football at BBVA Compass Stadium.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/no-long-ball-me-coyle
The Scottish-born former Republic of Ireland international, who has played and coached in Scotland and England, was made Dynamo's new boss on Tuesday, sparking concerns among Houston fans that Coyle would install a stereotypical direct style in Texas in next year's MLS season.
But the 48-year-old rejected that premise, claiming that he is used to playing attractive football on a tight budget after stints at Wigan, Bolton Wanderers and Burnley in England.
"My teams aren't direct," Coyle said.
"You only have to look back to my Burnley team. My Burnley team passed and moved the ball, and that's the way I've played. My teams have always had that level of excitement.
"I went into Bolton Wanderers, who had played a direct style, and I changed that. Stuart Holden, Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge, those boys didn't play a direct style.
"You'll have people that have that opinion for whatever reason but the bottom line is that my teams have always been pleasing to the eye and that's what we want to be again."
Dynamo fans can expect goals and exciting wing-play, if Coyle is to be believed.
"The best sight in football is the ball hitting the back of the net," he said.
"Second to that is it's a winger taking a full-back on and getting to the byline because we all get out of our seats and get excited."
news_articleWed, 10 Dec 2014 02:59:12 +0000302748 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCoyle takes over at Houston DynamoOwen Coyle has been appointed as the new coach of MLS side Houston Dynamo.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/coyle-takes-over-houston-dynamo
The former Burnley, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic boss takes over from Dominic Kinnear, whose spell in charge of the Texas franchise came to an end at the conclusion of this past season.
Kinnear could only lead the Dynamo to an eighth-placed finish in the Eastern Conference in his final campaign in charge and will now take over at the San Jose Earthquakes.
The task of turning around the fortunes of the two-time MLS Cup champions has been handed to Coyle, who guided Burnley to promotion to Premier League in 2009 and took Bolton to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2011.
And the Scot – out of football since his departure from Wigan in December last year - is relishing the challenge of coaching in the United States.
"First and foremost I'm thankful for the opportunity to come to the Houston Dynamo," Coyle told Dynamo's official website.
"It is nice to be wanted by a fantastic club and I feel we have a great opportunity to put a team on the pitch that is pleasing on the eye and can win games.
"I've been watching Houston Dynamo for many years and I know the atmosphere of the supporters. The league is thriving and the opportunity to join a big club like the Dynamo is very exciting for me.
"It's going to be one of the biggest leagues in world football and anybody in the game wants to be involved at a high level. MLS certainly is and I think it'll continue to progress.
"For me it was a fantastic challenge. I've watched MLS extensively, back home we get live feeds and highlights so I certainly know all the teams in the league.
"When I sat with [club president] Chris [Canetti] I just knew straight away. It was a similar feeling to the one I got when I sat with [co-owner] Brendan Flood at Burnley. That feeling that they're not only knowledgeable people but really good men, which is so important."
news_articleTue, 09 Dec 2014 17:05:10 +0000302460 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCoyle confirms Houston Dynamo discussionsFormer Bolton and Wigan manager Owen Coyle is in Houston for talks about becoming the Dynamos new coach.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/coyle-confirms-dynamo-talks
The Scot has been without a managerial job since leaving Wigan in December 2013, but looks set to take over at the MLS side.
Dominic Kinnear resigned as Dynamo coach in October before being announced as the San Jose Earthquakes' new boss.
Coyle told the Houston Chronicle there was nothing to confirm, but said he was in the city for talks.
"We're going to have a chat again and see where we go from there," Coyle said.
"There's nothing, as they say, confirmed in any respect. But there's no getting away that it's a wonderful opportunity for a coach to come into a wonderful club and try to move things on."
The Dynamo finished eighth in the Eastern Conference in 2014, winning just 11 of their 34 matches.
news_articleSat, 06 Dec 2014 02:59:47 +0000300379 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS: Chicago Fire 2 Houston Dynamo 1A stoppage-time winner from Florent Sinama-Pongolle saw Chicago Fire give outgoing captain Logan Pause a winning MLS finale.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/chicago-fire-2-houston-dynamo-1-hosts-give-pause-fitting-farewell
Chicago came from behind to defeat Houston Dynamo2-1 on Friday in both sides' last match of the MLS seasonwith neitherin the play-offs, as Jeff Larentowicz's penalty and Sinama-Pongolle's header gave the Fire victory.
Dynamo had led since the 18th minute through Omar Cummings but could not give coach Dominic Kinnear a gift of three points as the 47-year-old prepares to rejoin the San Jose Earthquakes next season.
Instead it was Pause who would be given a fitting farewell, with Sinama-Pongolle glancing a header from Grant Ward's right-wing cross inside the near post in the 91st minute at Toyota Park.
Defensive midfielder Pause completed his MLS career with 286 appearances for the Fire, which included two US Open Cup titles (2003 and 2006) and the Supporters' Shield in 2003.
Houston hit the front thanks to Cummings' header from a corner but they were reeled in after 65 minutes with Larentowicz converting from the spot, following Tyler Deric's trip on Ward.
Then Sinama-Pongolle's first goal for Chicago since joining the club in September saw the home fans end the season with a smile on their faces.
Kinnear - who moved to Houston when the former San Jose Sharks were relocated to Texas to form Dynamo in 2005 - will return to California with two MLS Cup titles from his time at BBVA Compass Stadium.
news_articleSat, 25 Oct 2014 03:12:02 +0000274683 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS: Houston Dynamo 1 New England 2Lee Nguyens brace saw the New England Revolution to a come-from-behind 2-1 win at the Houston Dynamo on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/houston-dynamo-1-new-england-revolution-2-nguyen-stars-visitors
Jay Heaps' men assured themselves of a top-three finish in the Eastern Conference in MLS thanks to the victory at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Giles Barnes had given the hosts, who were already out of play-off contention, a surprise first-half lead before Nguyen's second-half double.
The Revolution sit second in the East -three points adrift of leaders DC United -while the Dynamo are eighth.
Houston went ahead in the 37th minute as Barnes tucked away a rebound after Omar Cummings' fierce strike was parried by Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.
Nguyen would make all the difference in the second half as he took his tally for the league season to 17 goals.
The equaliser came in the 65th minute after a well-worked move and good finish.
Jermaine Jones played fellow substitute Kevin Alston in behind down the left and the latter's cutback found Nguyen, who took a touch inside the area before curling his shot into the top corner.
A scrappy 87th-minute winner followed.
The Dynamo failed to clear their lines before Darrius Barnes touched a pass to Nguyen to tap in from close range and give the Revolution their win.
news_articleFri, 17 Oct 2014 02:42:52 +0000269572 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Preview: Sounders, Galaxy face tough tests​Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy both face stern challenges in their thrilling battle for the MLS Western Conference title this weekend.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-preview-sounders-and-galaxy-face-tough-tests-battle-west
The Sounders and the Galaxy are level on 60 points at the top of the division, with the Seattle club holding the advantage due to having won two more games than the California outfit.
With the duo holding eight more points than Eastern Conference leaders DC United with three games to play, the fight between the top two in the West looks set to decide who will claim the Supporters' Shield for the best record in the league.
That prize is likelyto be decided in nail-biting fashion as the pair face each other home and away in the final two games of the season, making the lastencounter before that effective play-off for the shield even more pivotal.
And both the Sounders and the Galaxy will need to be on top form to overcome teams with MLS Cup play-off ambitions of their own.
Seattle host a Whitecaps side two points outside of a play-off place on Saturday before, on Monday, the Galaxy take on a Dallas team that can secure a top-five spot with a win should the Whitecaps fail to emerge victorious.
Dropped points from the Whitecaps will also give Real Salt Lake the opportunity to clinch a play-off berth with victory over a San Jose Earthquakes team, whose only remaining goal is to avoid bottom spot in the conference.
Over in the Eastern Conference the picture is less clear, with DC United the only side absolutely guaranteed of a place in the post-season.
Seven teams from second to eighth in the East are in the fight for the remaining spots, although New England Revolution will be expected to seal one with an away win at bottom side Montreal Impact.
Sporting Kansas City will ensure a play-off placeby beating Chicago Fire, providing that New York Red Bulls prevent Toronto from claiming all three points at the Red Bull Arena.
A triumph for the Red Bulls will see them into the knock-out rounds should Philadelphia Union and Houston Dynamo fail to overcome Columbus Crew and conference leaders DC respectively.
Elsewhere, Chivas USA host Colorado Rapids.
news_articleThu, 09 Oct 2014 14:53:17 +0000265741 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Wrap: Timbers leapfrog WhitecapsA brace from Diego Valeri helped Portland Timbers back into the MLS play-off positions in the Western Conference on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-review-timbers-leapfrog-whitecaps-dynamo-keep-season-alive
Valeri scored twice in the second half after Rodney Wallace opened the scoring before the break as Portland accounted for San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 at Providence Park.
After coming from behind to win in San Jose on Saturday, the Timbers got the better of the Earthquakes for the second time in less than a week.
Portland now occupy the fifth and final post-season spot in the West, two points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps with two games remaining, though the Timbers have played an extra match.
San Jose, meanwhile, sit second-bottom in the Western Conference.
Costa Rican attacker Wallace was the difference last week, scoring twice in the space of three minutes in the second half as Portland prevailed against the Earthquakes.
And he was at it again on Wednesday, breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute with his fifth goal of the season.
Wallace was in the thick of the action following the interval, winning a penalty for the Timbers after he was pulled down by San Jose defender Jason Hernandez.
Valeri made no mistake from the spot, converting the penaltyto the delight of the Portland faithful.
The Argentine midfielder netted his second of the match 21 minutes later, when he tucked away Wallace's initial effort which Earthquakes goalkeeper John Busch failed to deal with.
Meanwhile, Houston Dynamo kept their season alive as Toronto's play-off hopes were dealt a huge blow.
The 10men of Dynamo were 1-0 winners against Toronto, with Giles Barnes' 35th-minute strike the difference at BMO Field.
Kofi Sarkodie picked out Barnes with a well-weighted long ball and the 26-year-old Englishman showed tremendous strength to outmuscle his opponent before firing through the legs of Joseph Bendik from an acute angle.
Toronto were given a lifeline in the 54th minute, when A.J. Cochran was sent off for fouling Luke Moore inside the penalty area but JermainDefoe failed to convert the resultant spot-kick.
Houston remain in the post-season hunt, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference, four points adrift of Columbus Crew, who occupy the fifth and final play-off spot with three matches remaining.
Dominic Kinnear's men are just a point adrift of a Toronto side that have suffered back-to-back defeats and are three points behind the Crew.
news_articleThu, 09 Oct 2014 05:23:46 +0000265532 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Wrap: Henry leads Red Bulls to home winThierry Henry scored again as the New York Red Bulls extended their unbeaten home streak to nine MLS matches on Saturday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-review-henry-leads-new-york-another-home-success
New York have been in imperious form at Red Bull Arena and that run continued with a 1-0 triumph against Houston Dynamo.
The margin of victory should have been far greater, but the hosts were frustrated by the woodwork and Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric on multiple occasions.
Bradley Wright-Phillips was first to fire into the crossbar, with the forward spurning a great chance to open the scoring when faced with an open goal after Lloyd Sam's effort was saved.
Henry – who would later go on to score his 10th goal of the season – then hit the crossbar in the 38th minute with an excellent free-kick from 25 yards.
Sam shot just wide from nine yards on the stroke of half-time but New York scored a deserved opener just after the break.
Sam was sent racing down the right and his ball across the face of goal deflected nicely into the path of Henry, who arrived at the back post to tap in with ease.
New York squandered a host of other chances to double their lead and were given some nervy moments when substitute Tim Cahill was sent off just three minutes after his introduction.
Australian Cahill was given his marching orders for an 88th-minute lunge on Boniek Garcia, with referee Jair Marrufo brandishing a straight red card.
New York did enough to win, though, lifting them to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The LA Galaxy moved three points clear atop the Western Conference with a 3-0 home win over Toronto FC.
Robbie Keane has been in inspired form for the Galaxy and made it five goals in three games with a first-half double.
Alan Gordon netted in injury time to seal a big win for Bruce Arena's side.
The New England Revolution kept the pressure on Eastern Conference pace-setters DC United with a 2-1 home triumph against Columbus Crew.
Ethan Finlay cancelled out Lee Nguyen's opener for Columbus, but Jermaine Jones' 67th-minute effort would prove decisive.
Columbus ended the match with 10 men after Waylon Francis was given a second yellow card 20 minutes from time.
Elsewhere, the Vancouver Whitecaps beat FC Dallas 2-0 and Rodney Wallace's double saw the Portland Timbers come from behind to topple the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1.
news_articleSun, 05 Oct 2014 05:26:47 +0000263674 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Preview: DC United ready to grindDC United can all but seal top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference on Friday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-preview-dc-united-ready-grind-revolution-host-crew
The runaway conference leaders have a six-point buffer on closest rivals the New England Revolution and Sporting Kansas City - both 45 points - ahead of their home clash with the latter.
DC need just one point to guarantee their spot in the play-offs, however all three would virtually rule out a faltering Sporting KC of getting into top spot.
Ben Olsen's men most recently snapped a league slump, winning their first in four in the MLS with a 1-0 result over Philadelphia Union.
Luis Silva, who scored the match-winner on Saturday, said the fixture was the perfect tune-up with only four games to play before the post-season.
"It wasn't the prettiest game, but we got the win, and that's all that matters," Silva said.
"That's how play-offs are going to be. Sometimes we have to grind games out, and I think the team did a good job."
The Revolution, second on games won, are at home to Columbus Crew, who are two points adrift in fourth spot.
A New England win would keep them in contention for top spot, although they will have their eye over their shoulder - with sixth-placed Toronto only five points behind Jay Heaps' outfit.
Philadelphia sit three points outside the top five in the East, but host struggling Chicago Fire on Thursday in a must-win contest for the Union.
Holding fifth spot in the conference, the New York Red Bulls - last-start losers - host Houston Dynamo, who are unbeaten in five heading into the Saturday clash.
Also on the fringe of play-offs contention in the Western Conference are the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are virtually in a one-on-one shootout with the Portland Timbers - one point behind - for fifth spot.
The Whitecaps welcome Dallas, while the Timbers are on the road at the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Los Angeles Galaxy, trailing the West-leading Seattle Sounders on games won, will host Toronto FC.
The Sounders travel to the Colorado Rapids in the pick of the Sunday matches, while Chicago Fire host Montreal Impact and Real Salt Lake travel to lowly Chivas USA.
news_articleTue, 30 Sep 2014 03:45:02 +0000261029 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Wrap: Keane scores twice in Galaxy rompRobbie Keane scored twice as the LA Galaxy returned to the top of the Western Conference with a 4-0 MLS win over New York Red Bulls.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-review-keane-scores-twice-galaxy-romp
The Galaxy moved ahead of the Seattle Sounders with their convincing home triumph.
Republic of Ireland star Keane opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a sensational chip after Landon Donovan stormed through the New York defence.
Donovan starred throughout the contest and doubled the Galaxy's lead in the 50th minute.
The attacker caught New York defender Chris Duvall napping and stripped him of possession before side-footing past goalkeeper Luis Robles.
New York's night went from bad to worse when Gyasi Zardes fired a powerful effort into the bottom-left corner with 21 minutes to play.
And there was still time for Keane to score again as he tapped in after an initial effort was saved by Robles following an excellent dinked pass from Donovan.
Sunday's other clash saw the Houston Dynamo beat the Chicago Fire 2-0.
Houston - who sit eighth - took the lead when Omar Cummings turned Ricardo Clark's excellent cross in after 15 minutes.
And Oscar Garcia sealed the three points when he side-footed a volley in with 23 minutes left.
news_articleMon, 29 Sep 2014 03:40:43 +0000260543 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Preview: Red Bulls enjoying tactical changeNew York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry said a tactical switch has his team well-placed to challenge late in the MLS season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-preview-red-bulls-enjoying-tactical-change
Coach Mike Petke has opted for a 4-2-3-1 and the formation change has helped the Red Bulls go on a four-match unbeaten run.
The last of that stretch was a 4-1 thrashing of the Seattle Sounders as the prolific Bradley Wright-Phillips struck a hat-trick.
Henry said the change gave his team, who face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday, more protection.
"We still give some goals away and easy opportunity for the other team, but I think we're in a better shape playing like this," he said.
"We always, most of the time, have 10 guys behind the ball – nine, sometimes – and it's easier to defend that way.
"We all know we can score goals – we didn't have a lot of games this year when we didn't create, when we didn't score.
"We were a bit too open sometimes when we were losing the ball, and having those guys there and also the team working hard, it's better for us."
The Galaxy are top of the West after an eight-match unbeaten run.
New York sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, seven points adrift of leaders DC United.
DC coach Ben Olsen was rewarded with a new contract on Monday and his side host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Sporting Kansas City, three points behind DC, host the third-placed New England Revolution on Friday.
The Sounders will be looking for a response to their loss to New York when they travel to Dallas on Wednesday.
Seattle also host Chivas USA.
Elsewhere, the in-form Portland Timbers visit Toronto and Real Salt Lake will be confident of winning at the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Columbus Crew take on the Montreal Impact, out-of-sorts duo the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes do battle, while the Houston Dynamo meet the Chicago Fire.
news_articleTue, 23 Sep 2014 23:37:46 +0000258106 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Wrap: Wright-Phillips treble inspires routBradley Wright-Phillips scored a hat-trick as New York Red Bulls sent an ominous warning to their MLS rivals, routing Seattle Sounders 4-1.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-review-wright-phillips-treble-inspires-red-bulls-rout
Englishman Wright-Phillips - the league's top scorer - took his tally to 24 goals with a treble against the high-flying Sounders at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.
A volley in the opening minute, followed by two strikes just after half-time from Wright-Phillips had the Red Bulls in cruise control.
And although Sounders captain Clint Dempsey came off the bench to reduce the deficit with 28 minutes remaining, substitute Tim Cahill quickly restored New York's three-goal cushion.
New York'sfourth league game without defeat saw them consolidate fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with 41 points after 29 games.
Seattle, who were crowned US Open Cup champions midweek, had their four-game winning streak ended as they dropped to second on goal difference in the Western Conference following the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-1 win over Dallas.
After hitting the crossbar in the first half, Seattle fell two goals behind after Dylan Remick brought down Lloyd Sam inside the box in the 54th minute, and Wright-Phillips converted the penalty.
Wright-Phillips then poked Roy Miller's cross beyond Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei, meaning that Dempsey's goal – almost immediately cancelled out by Cahill – was merely a consolation.
Seattle's loss opened the door for the Los Angeles Galaxy, who came from behind to beat Dallas 2-1 and go top in the West.
After Blas Perez struck for Dallas nine minutes into the second half, Robbie Keane and substitute Alan Gordon were on target as Galaxy rose to the top on 54 points, albeit having played an extra match.
East pacesetters DC United overturned a two-goal deficit and took the lead but had to settle for a 3-3 draw at Chicago Fire.
Goals from Quincy Amarikwa and Jeff Larentowicz saw second-bottom Chicago leading 2-0 after 32 minutes but United levelled proceedings courtesy of Luis Silva's brace.
Bobby Boswell then put United in front with 22 minutes remaining. Matt Wilson ensured the spoils would be shared, though, as his 78th-minute goal meant the Fire salvaged a record-equalling 16th draw of the season.
Other results saw Columbus Crew beat third-placed New England 1-0 thanks to Federico Higuain's goal, while Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact recorded 3-0 and 2-0 wins over the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes respectively.
news_articleSun, 21 Sep 2014 05:35:10 +0000256256 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMLS Preview: Sounders out to build on cup successSeattle Sounders will be full of confidence when they play host to in-form New York Red Bulls in MLS on Saturday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mls-preview-sounders-hoping-build-us-open-cup-success
Captain Clint Dempsey and star team-mate Obafemi Martins were on target in extra time as Seattle beat Philadelphia Union 3-1 in the US Open Cup final on Tuesday.
Sounders midfielder Chad Barrett cancelled out Maurice Edu's opener in the second half as the match went beyond 90 minutes at PPL Park.
The win - Seattle's fourth Open Cup triumph in six years - extended the Western Conference leaders' (54 points from 27 games) unbeaten streak to six games in all competitions ahead of their trip to Red Bull Arena.
"We missed a few chances and we needed to get a few breaks, but the team had a lot of desire and determination," Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said.
"This was the hardest final we've played in terms of figuring who to keep on the field and who to take off. I don't know who's going to play Saturday, but we'll worry about that later.
"We've gone to five finals in six years and now we've won four, with two finals on the road."
Seattle - three points clear of Los Angeles Galaxy with one game in hand - will need to be at their best against a New York side in good form.
Unbeaten in three games and boasting leading goalscorer Bradley Wright-Phillips (21), the Red Bulls sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 42 points after 28 rounds.
Defeat to New York would open the door for the Galaxy, who could move top of the West on goal difference if they beat rivals Dallas on Saturday.
The Galaxy have played out back-to-back draws, but prior to that they won five games on the bounce.
In their seven-game unbeaten streak, Los Angeles have scored 22 goals - Landon Donovan (five), Gyasi Zardes (five) and Baggio Husidic (four) netted 12 between them.
Staying in the West, third-placed Real Salt Lake entertain play-off hopefuls the Colorado Rapids on Friday.
Real Salt Lake - eight points off the pace - will come up against an out-of-sorts Colorado, who are six points outside the top five after going eight matches without a win.
Philadelphia have the chance to respond to their loss to Seattle when they go head-to-head against fellow Eastern Conference team the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
Elsewhere on Saturday, third-placed New England can extend their winning streak to six matches with victory at Columbus Crew.
Portland Timbers - fresh from their rout of Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions League - will be out to take fifth spot from the Vancouver Whitecaps when the two West teams meet at Providence Park.
East pacesetters DC United, who were also victorious in Champions League action midweek, make the trip to second-bottom Chicago Fire.
Eastern Conference cellar-dwellers Montreal Impact play West strugglers the San Jose Earthquakes, who have not won in eight outings.
Meanwhile, Toronto will be aiming to end their six-match winless run when they host Chivas USA on Sunday.
news_articleThu, 18 Sep 2014 12:13:56 +0000254426 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com